Geochemistry tool kit
The Geochemistry tool kit was completed in 2018 and funded under the Queensland Government's Strategic Resources Exploration Program.
The tool kit reviews a range of techniques to enhance geochemical exploration practice and encourage exploration in north-west Queensland.
Data and reports
You can download the Geochemistry tool kit from the GSQ open data portal.
Industry benefits
The tool kit supports successful ore discovery by guiding explorers in the appropriate application of geochemical techniques in the different exploration settings or domains.
About the tool kit
The Geochemistry tool kit is structured on the basis of 4 exploration settings corresponding to differences in type and thickness of transported or 'post-mineral' cover.
The tool kit is divided into 8 chapters relevant to different exploration settings.
Sampling methods and analytical techniques are not exclusive to a domain and can be applied to different settings if appropriate (e.g. bedrock domain techniques can be applied to drill cores from covered domain).
| Exploration setting | Chapter | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Outcrop/bedrock domain (>1m cover) | Chapter 1: Conventional geochemistry | Soil, rock chip, stream sediment, portable XRF |
| Chapter 2: Gossan and ironstones | Discriminating gossans, geochemical filters | |
| Chapter 3: Pb-Pb isotope method for base metal exploration | Pb-system, Cu-Au system, relevance of Pb isotopes in pre-discovery exploration | |
| Chapter 4: Stable isotopes carbonate O and C, sulphide S | Carbonate isotopic technique, application in eastern and western fold belt, bedrock drill holes | |
| Thin unconsolidated cover (1-25m) | Chapter 5: Covered domain - Transport mechanisms, sample media and analytical methods | Selective leaching, soil-gas, biogeochemistry, quality assurance |
| Thick, unconsolidated cover (25-100+ m) | Chapter 6: Covered domain - Secondary dispersions of blind ore deposits | Surface and subsurface geochemistry, RAB, air-core, case study: Ernest Henry, Osborne, Eloise, E1, Cannington |
| Consolidated ‘post mineral’ cover | Chapter 7: Covered domain – Exploration campaigns | Examples of geochemical programs in the south-east, north-east and north-west of Mount Isa |
| Chapter 8: Groundwater chemistry | Ernest Henry, Tertiary, Mesozoic |
Also consider…
- Visit the GSQ Open Data Portal to access other GSQ projects, reports and data.